7 Best Workout Shoes

The Reebok Nano X4 was our best pick because it delivered a good deal of breathability and a  nice balanced feeling underfoot during our test workouts. What makes this shoe even more amazing is that it is effectively resistant to abrasion!

Smoke that was pumped into the Nano X4 escaped through the upper material easily and quickly when we did our breathability test in the lab. In the gym, this shoe’s airiness kept our feet dry and comfortable. We scored this shoe a 4 out of 5 for ventilation.

The midsole tooling right under the heel felt really soft. When we assessed it using an HA durometer, we learned that the heel cushion is just as soft as the average. This averageness resulted in a well-balanced feel; we were able to enjoy impact protection without sacrificing ground feel.

Aside from going through a breathability assessment, the upper was also subjected to a Dremel test for durability. After 12 seconds of high-pressure drilling, our tool did not even make a significant mark on the upper. Clearly, the upper’s breathability did not in any way compromise its sturdiness. The Reebok Nano X4 got a 4 out of 5 for its impressive durability.

Though this shoe was quite stable, we thought it was not stable enough for heavier Olympic-style weightlifting. More serious lifters are advised to look for alternatives.

We worked out using over a hundred trainers in search of the best Crossfit shoe, and it’s none other than the Nike Metcon 9. Our lab results reassure us that it provides steady footing, good lockdown, and a reliable grip to handle our repetitive lifts. It's a solid foundation that helps us power through punishing workouts.

While doing our lifts, we don’t find ourselves looking for the typical raised heel that weightlifting shoes have. We feel the platform is wide and supportive enough to handle heavy squats, snatches, and Olympic lifts. Our calliper shows a wider-than-average 116.9/95.0 mm forefoot and heel. The 108.0 mm toebox gives a lot of room for natural toe splay, maintaining our balance with every rep.

The steady platform is supported by rigid sidewalls that dominate a strong foothold, ensuring we’re always centred and planted to the ground. When lifting heavier loads, we’re confident with the base since the non-compressible Hyperlift plastic under the heel offers extra support.

Further enhancing stability is the outsole’s reliable traction that grips onto mats and glossy gym floors. All these improve our control to strengthen the right muscle groups and avoid injuries.

Unfortunately, wearing the Metcon 9 feels like having weights on our feet too. At 13.3 oz (378g), it’s significantly heavier than the 11.2 oz (318g) average.

Performing bursts of high-intensity exercises never felt so good until we tried Nike’s Free Metcon 6. We further tested the best workout shoes in the lab and found this pair to be the ultimate HIIT trainer. Its fluidity and weightlessness powered us through difficult exercises, ensuring stability and comfort.

Needing only 4.3N force to bend in our flex test, Free Metcon 6 is the most malleable we’ve ever seen! For reference, the average trainer needs 18.6N to reach 90 degrees. This shoe also surrendered without resistance to twisting, earning a 2/5 rigidity score, translating to a highly adaptive shoe for planks, lunges, and other plyometrics.

FM6 feels light on foot and our scales confirm this with a 9.7 oz (274g) figure. Adding to its refreshing nature is its highly breathable upper, allowing smoke to escape seamlessly in our lab test.

The midsole combines cushioning with ground feel, featuring plush foam for extra comfort. It's 17.9% softer than average, providing a pain-free cardio experience. We also found a firmer 27.8 HA foam in the heel and measured a wide 113.9/94.4 mm midsole to stabilise our movements. We never had the feeling of toppling over when lifting weights. 

However, we believe it still lacks the stack for repetitive high-impact routines. For a more cardio-focused trainer, we recommend exploring more cushioned shoes.

Performing bursts of cardio exercises never felt so good until we tried Nike’s Air Zoom TR 1. We further tested the best workout shoes in the lab and found this pair to be the ultimate cardio trainer. Its midsole is full of vigour, powering us through difficult exercises while ensuring impact protection. The sticky outsole and stable ride add to its protective nature.

At its core is a vibrant midsole featuring an Air Zoom unit for strong and consistent energy return. The stack is a healthy mix of cushioning and ground feel, incorporating a plush and responsive foam for added comfort. Our durometer readings indicate that it's 24.6% softer than average, ensuring a pain-free experience during high-impact jumps.

The outsole gripped slippery gym floors impressively well, with our durometer revealing that the rubber is 10% softer and stickier than average. The stiff heel also adds a boost of stability, leading to safe and controlled movements for burpees, lunges, and other exercises. 

The toebox of the Air Zoom TR 1 impressively earned a perfect score for its resistance to damage during our Dremel test. However, it prioritises durability over breathability, resulting in limited airflow. The shoe felt like a sauna and we couldn’t wait to take it off. We recommend considering another option for training in warmer conditions.

The Adidas Dropset 3 offers remarkable stability in our training without sacrificing comfort. Our lab numbers back up the surefootedness we experienced by showing a wide, firm, and grippy base, making it our top lifting workout shoe. Plus, it’s ready to take on the heat with its delightfully breathable upper.

The midsole is meant for lifting: sitting close to the ground at 22.6/14.8 mm, with a dual-density foam for specific purposes. The heel is a firm 41.0 HA so that it won’t give in right away to heavy loads, while the forefoot is a soft 21.5 HA for cushioned landings during toeoffs and jumps.

We also measured a wide 116.9/88.9 mm base that secures our stance, while our ankles are held firmly by the GeoFit Sensepods. Even from below, the grippy outsole controls our movements by allowing us to brake as needed.

Amazingly, our feet felt fresh even during brutally long sessions thanks to the shoe’s HEAT.RDY technology, which is composed of a large aperture in the sole for airflow and a perforated insole. Unsurprisingly, we rated it a 5/5 breathability rating on our smoke test. However, we can’t recommend this trainer for outdoor use as small pebbles and dirt can sneak through the hole.

Truly, the New Balance Minimus TR v2 exemplifies “less is more” in every aspect. Our lab numbers confirm the lightness and freedom of movement we experienced in our gym sessions, making it our ultimate minimalist workout shoe.

This trainer felt noticeably lighter than others and our scales show it’s only 8.9 oz (251g), 17.4% below average, boosting our agility and speed. Adding to its weightless feel is how it freely bends and twists with our feet as we perform burpees, lunges, and other workouts. Testing in the lab reveals a low 1/5 torsional rigidity score and flexibility that’s 38.8% better than average.

We instantly felt how grounded the Minimus TR v2 was and our calliper validates its low profile. Compared to previous trainers we’ve tested, the shoe’s 14.0/11.8 mm stack height is the lowest we’ve measured. Plus, it has a low 2.2 mm drop that further enhances the barefoot experience, making our muscles do the work.

However, the downfall of this slim profile is less cushioning for high-impact workouts. Those who do jump ropes and treadmill runs repetitively should find more support.

The Nike MC Trainer 3 delivered comfort and a good amount of stability for the various workouts we performed. It feels more expensive than its £80 price given its plush platform and well-ventilated upper, as confirmed by our lab tests. The average trainer costs £120, making the Nike MC Trainer 3 our ultimate budget workout pick.

The upper is pure bliss, serving unobstructed airflow that kept us going through intense sessions. Smoke flowed out quickly after we pumped it in, earning a well-deserved 5/5 breathability rating.

Low price and high level of comfort is what this trainer is all about. We measured the stack height to be an above-average 30.6/21.8 mm, delivering gentler landings during jump ropes and cardio exercises. The cushioning feels gentle to the touch, which our durometer confirms is 13.0% softer than average.

Despite its soft cushioning, we felt well-planted during moderate weightlifting, quick lateral movements, and single-legged drills. Our calliper shows a wide 114.5/91.4 mm forefoot and heel that helped secure our footing. However, the midfoot runs oddly narrow, so we cannot recommend this to people with wide feet. Those who require more internal real estate should try alternatives.